We feel extremely fortunate that we got to have Keelia help us settle into being a family of four…read more She was a consistently warm and caring presence, not just for our new baby but for all four of us. And she has a special knack for just finding ways to be helpful even if we're frazzled and don't know what to ask. She's also very thoughtful about providing advice--in addition to answering whatever random questions we have, she gently offers advice without it ever feeling like she's forcing it on us or it feeling overly didactic. We could go on about how great she is, but the long and short of it is that she's amazing at what she does.

I am certain that my experience with Keelia made THE difference in achieving the birth of my…read moredaughter the ways that I wanted it- delaying at home for as long as possible, no pain meds and a positive, empowered experience. My biggest fears were my low pain tolerance and lack of control over knowing exactly how it would go. Shortly before our due date, Keelia came over to review our birth plan and a timeline of what to expect for pre-labor, active labor, travel to the birth center, transition, and delivery. She made sure we practiced comfort measures, breathing and how I wanted to be supported verbally. It wasn't until the last moments with Keelia where she looked me in the eye and said I was ready, that I actually felt prepared to go into labor and meet my daughter. 2 days later, my water broke in the middle of the night. For the next 44 hours of contractions, naps, two car rides up to the birth center, a traumatic cervical check on day one to then be sent back home, many walks around the neighborhood, yoga ball bouncing, 1 game of Monopoly, snacks, massages, and support - Keelia was at our beck and call. By the time we got to the birth center (again) on day 2 after 36 hours, I was only at 1cm and 50% effaced. Keelia helped me calm down from exhausition and frustration at this news, and we made a plan to get misoprostol to thin my cervix but hopefully proceed with no other interventions. Miraculously, Ava was born 7 hours later. Keelia coached me through contractions which came back to back for hours, waved lavendar oil in front of my face for nausea, massaged my back, covered the clock when she noticed it stressing me out, got me into the shower with Joe when I hit the wall of transition, and helped me breathe through pushing - 3 contractions! She reassured me every step of the way - calmly & knowing I could do it at all moments. In this amazing doula's hands, I felt loved, safe, and supported. Thank you, Keelia.

Did a prenatal massage with Gracie and she's wonderful! The room is nice, she had all the comfort…read morepillows and really listened to where I noted any aches or pains to address. She also included some breathing techniques which was nice. Afterwords she also offered drinks and snacks from the studio lounge which being pregnant is always appreciated. Loved my massage here.

I reached out to Brilliant Births to find a birth doula. They offer a matching service and…read moreconnected me to 3 doulas who work independently (not employees of BB). We were really fortunate to find our birth doula (who we love!), but the other 2 candidates were not very impressive. The first doula missed our appointment with no follow-up communication. We were initially confused and thought she was the coordinator for BB, because she only communicated by text. The actual meeting was just by telephone so there was no face-to-face interaction, which felt strange. We could've easily FaceTimed or Zoomed. So communication and reliability were not great. The second doula abruptly canceled our half-hour appointment when we were 10 minutes late for a 30-minute appointment due to my husband wrapping up a Zoom meeting. During our appointment time, she was responding to my emails (in which I apologized for being late), but insisted she could no longer meet with us. I thought this was a really bad sign about what she would be like to work with - labor and delivery is rarely precisely timed and some flexibility is needed. In addition, her email said that she lives in Portola Valley, but we live Berkeley (also where Brilliant Births is located). This also struck me as strange, because it would take 1.5 hours for her to arrive to meet us at the hospital, which is not ideal.

I love sharing my birth story since we had such a great experience and we give thanks to Susi for…read moremaking it all possible. I knew I wanted a doula but finding the right one was tricky. I met with a couple of others and right away, you can tell doulas experience and professionalism range greatly. Susi is not only warm and compassionate but has a long resume of credentials, wisdom, and experience. These were important to us since we needed support through a stressful high risk & IVF pregnancy. I was open to medication for my labor but ended up going natural, no meds with Susi's guidance, coaching, and pain relief with counter pressure. After being bruised from our IVF journey I kind of gave up on my natural birth dream. What an empowering gift Susi gave me. Before my husband didn't understand the work of a doula but now he tells everyone, don't hesitate to hire a doula. Their work is truly invaluable. I was very relieved she was available for our due date. Bonus, birth photos are priceless! My husband and I didn't have to worry about pulling out the camera to try to capture the best moment of our lives. We are forever grateful for our beautiful birth experience bringing our miracle baby safely to earth side. Thank you Susi!

In summary: I can't recommend Susi enough. It would be impossible to overstate how valuable she was…read moreduring the entire process of my pregnancy, birth, and post-birth. When I look back at the pregnancy and birth experience, I really don't know how we would have managed without her. We are so grateful for her care during birth. A bit of background: I considered a homebirth but ultimately planned a hospital birth with midwives at Kaiser. I was pretty nervous and bummed to be in a hospital setting and really wanted to have an unmedicated birth. At our first consultation, Susi immediately put me at ease. She really understood my concerns about being at a hospital. She was incredibly comforting but also practical and honest about what to expect. This unique mixture gave me a lot of confidence that she could help me navigate the hospital system while also supporting me emotionally. Her prenatal visits were informative and reassuring, particularly for my partner. We also contacted her several times before birth for resources, recommendations, and support when we were nervous about something. I ended up being induced at 39 weeks for gestational hypertension. She was very comforting over the phone and was in contact through out the beginning of the induction process. Once I started Pitocin, she actually drove over before we asked her to since it was a long drive. I am so grateful that she did! She arrived when the contractions were really intense and I was already at 8cm. She walked in the room put her thumb to my forehead and I immediately relaxed. I went from feeling like I was being dragged behind each contraction to feeling like I was riding the wave. The way she talked me through contractions was absolutely incredible. My only coherent sentences during this time were "Susi, I like you so much. I'm so glad you're here." She was also amazing at interfacing with the hospital staff. When the midwife and team arrived to deliver, she pulled the midwife aside to make sure she knew about my birth preferences and reminded the nurses that I wanted no cheering when they forgot. During our postpartum meeting, the midwife told me that Susi was a great doula to work with and asked for her name to recommend to other patients. I am so grateful to Susi. Her care created such a positive birth experience for us! (This is posted from my husband's yelp account).

If you are looking for an acupuncturist for fertility, postpartum care, or general wellness, look…read moreno further. Rachel is the most knowledgeable, kind, and empathetic practitioner I have ever worked with. She helped me get pregnant, supported me throughout my pregnancy, and has continued to care for me for four years after I delivered a healthy baby. I cannot say enough about how phenomenal Rachel is or about the way she practices acupuncture. She gave me a sense of calm and control during a time in my life--while trying to conceive and during pregnancy--when I often felt I had very little. That kind of care can only make life better, and it certainly has for me.

Rachel Alkire -- what a gem!! She is one of the most genuine, caring, generous, and thoughtful…read morepractitioners I have come across in the medical/healing space. At 38 weeks pregnant I had an acute/urgent issue and even though I hadn't seen her for an appointment in many months, she immediately responded to my message with a phone call and provided a wealth of sage knowledge and advice. Both her kindness and her holistic medical wisdom shine through when you interact with her. Highly recommend.

We had an outstanding experience with DOULAS by the BAY. They matched us with Mary Ann Cherie…read moreWolowski, who was with our family for the first eight weeks after our baby was born. She started right on the day after delivery while we were still at the hospital. This was incredibly helpful because it allowed my partner to focus on caring for our toddler while I recovered from my C-section and bonded with our newborn. Mary Ann was exceptional in every aspect of newborn and postpartum care. With her background as RN and an experienced nanny, she confidently took charge from day one. She handled everything--from swaddling and keeping the baby on a feeding schedule to making sure I stayed on track with pumping. She always had my pump parts cleaned, sterilized, and ready to use, which made those early weeks so much easier. She also gave me invaluable breastfeeding support. Thanks to her guidance, I established a full milk supply within just three days of my C-section, and I'm still successfully breastfeeding. She also referred us to an amazing lactation consultant who was an absolute game changer. Mary Ann was meticulous about everything baby-related and followed best practices in every detail. Her logging and tracking were incredibly thorough, giving us complete peace of mind. She was professional, respectful, organized, and kept everything spotless. The greatest gift she gave our family was rest. There were moments when it almost felt unreal how much recovery time my partner and I were able to get because we trusted her completely. She would even bring me a glass of iced water wherever I was--a small act of kindness that made a huge difference in my recovery. Because she took care of so much, I was able to focus on postpartum healing and even carve out time for simple self-care, like getting a haircut. Although her primary responsibility was caring for our newborn, she also formed a wonderful bond with our toddler and always made him feel included. She consistently went above and beyond by helping keep our home clean, making countless trips up and down the stairs without ever complaining, and never leaving before everything was tidied up--even if it meant staying a little past the end of her shift. We're incredibly grateful to Doulas by the Bay for matching us with someone who fit our family so perfectly. The agency made the process smooth, and Mary Ann exceeded every expectation we had. We wholeheartedly recommend Doulas by the Bay to any family looking for expert postpartum support. They gave us the gift of rest, confidence, and a much smoother transition into life as a family of four.

I reached out to find a birth doula and the initial meeting giving an overview of how they work was…read moreclear and straightforward. Doulas through this company are employees (not independent providers) and they stress that this is really good for always having a backup. We were then matched with 2 doula candidates and the scheduling process was easy and professional. However, we ultimately felt that these candidates were not properly trained or vetted. We never received any materials such as CVs for the doulas. The first doula said right away that she had never been a birth doula before and we would be her first birth. Her only experience was that she had been a night doula before. I was shocked that she had never even shadowed another birth doula as part of her training as a company employee. Bless her heart for being honest, but I did not want to pay to be her guinea pig. After this, I requested an additional candidate, but I was told the other one should be great. The second doula was also not a good fit. She kept emphasizing that at previous births hospital staff did not believe she was a birth doula (and thought she was just a family friend). It became clear why. I asked about her qualifications and she said she's working on her bachelor's degree even though she already has a master's degree. I thought this was strange and asked some follow up questions and ultimately could not determine what degree she had (maybe an associate's degree) or didn't have (definitely did not already have a master's). I also asked some basic medical questions about pain control and epidurals and she was not able to answer them. Ultimately we were able to find a wonderful birth doula through another matching company - experienced and with a real master's degree (in public health).

Fantastic shiatsu massage! I came in with a hip issue, and Sophia was right away very in tune with…read moremy body and what it needed. She put pressure in just the right spots - but most of all I was impressed with the number of passive stretches she did that got at my hip in so many different ways. I felt feeling much more flexible, tall, and bright. I would highly recommend Sophia if you have a specific injury or problem area you would like to work on - she has an uncanny ability to focus in on the area and relieve it, as well as look at the body holistically and see what other parts of the body are contributing to the pain.

If you are looking for treatment that goes beyond the typical massage or off-the-shelf herbal…read moreremedy, this is the place to go. She takes the time to understand what's going on with you. I went to see her to treat my sciatica and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The results have been excellent and lasting. Thank you Sophia.

I honestly didn't know exactly what a doula did until I spoke to one of my mentors and she…read moreenlightened me (and thank God she did!). I quickly asked fellow moms in my area for referrals and after meeting with a few over zoom, I felt this deep connection with Nattasha and decided to go with her. I was planning a VBAC and Nattasha supported my decision from day one. She was kind, attentive, warm and knowledgeable. I did have a traumatic birth experience with my first born and Nattasha was always very eager to listen to my fears and my hopes for my second birth. To prepare for the birth, she came over to our house a couple of times to discuss the process of labor, practice comfort measures, and generally talk me and my husband through our plans and emotions. I was especially grateful for how she worked with my husband, gently teaching him ways to support me in and around labor. It was nice that she included my partner in the process because they also need support to navigate all of this. From 37 weeks on, Nattasha was always available if I needed her. We exchanged texts and I constantly felt supported by her. When I went into labor at 39.5 weeks, she was ready to meet me whenever the hospital let her. During labor, my husband and I felt extremely supported by Nattasha. There was a lot of waiting and decisions to be made and Nattasha reminded me of all the things we talked about and never forced a decision on me. She took care of me like a mother would and I'm forever grateful. My husband was able to be fully focused and present because he was somewhat rested and had the support from Nattasha as well. In the end, I did have the most beautiful birth experience and we know that Nattasha was a huge part of it! After giving birth, Nattasha continued to support us by coming over to the house to talk and check in on us. We talked about my concerns and she provided a wide range of information that really helped me. If you are on the fence about hiring a doula, don't be. It was the best investment we did during this pregnancy and we highly recommend Nattasha!

I had always heard that having a doula throughout one's pregnancy and birth would be beneficial…read more But, I didn't realize how much of a difference it would make until I met Nattasha. I interviewed several different doulas and went with Nattasha because of how open and straightforward she was during our initial conversation - her warmth coupled with passion for creating a memorable birth experience drove me to choose her for our journey! Nattasha is incredible, to say the least! She was so caring from day one and provided so many insights for all the questions I had during our prenatal visits to ensure that my husband and I felt empowered to make the best decisions for our family. The prenatal visits were not only educational, but also provided an opportunity for us to develop a relationship that felt comfortable. With Nattasha, I felt cared for and supported 100%! She was a true advocate for what was best for me and I can't begin to express how important that was for me to feel ready to give birth. I can't emphasize how useful it was to have Nattasha in the room with us during labor -- her presence was calming and energizing at the same time. As soon as she thought I needed her physically present with me, she joined my husband and I at our place (and later in the hospital) to help me get through the hardest part of labor. And, for that, I'm forever grateful. Since this was our first pregnancy, I was overwhelmed and anxious throughout the process, but Nattasha eased my nerves not only during our prenatal sessions, but also during birth. I felt empowered, connected, and present throughout the experience, which is what I had visualized. Thank you Nattasha for being so phenomenal in every way -- we could not have had such a beautiful experience without your varied support. If/when my husband and I decided to have a second little one, I would, without a doubt, want Nattasha on my care team again!!

I can't speak highly enough about our experience with Allison as our doula. As a first time dad, I…read morehad no experience with any of the things, and Allison was great with answering any questions we had. The pre-natal visits were so helpful to set a framework/context of what the labor/delivery date would be like, and both her and my role in it. She was so calm, caring, and reassuring. She helped talk us through during the at-home contractions part of labor until we decided it was time to go to the hospital. At the hospital,I was so appreciative of her experience and the relationship she already had with the labor staff. Because she had the context and experience, I didn't have to stress as much about anything I didn't know to ask or do and could focus on my wife and encouraging her through the process. Allison also helped to record some of the experience as well as explain the labor status. The post-partum checkups were also very helpful and reassuring/validating.

I can not say enough positive things about Allison! From our first prenatal home visit I knew I…read moreliked her vibe. She is a funny, kind, compassionate and easy to talk to person. As a first time mom I had a ton of questions and she had a ton of patience and a wealth of knowledge. When contractions started her calm demeanor was vital in helping my husband and I calm down and think clearly. She was available via text and call and set clear check ins (let's talk at x time) until we made decisions about next steps. When we decided to head to the hospital she arrived first and met us in a parking spot she was holding for us. While my husband was getting us checked in she talked me through contractions. When I made a comment about the smell of a nearby trash can she, within seconds, had essential oils; when I complained of leg cramps she had a TENS machine readily available, when we needed a pen to sign paperwork she had two. She was always steps ahead clearing the the path for us. When labor slowed she was a joy to talk to! She fit right in with my support team (husband, mom and sister) and felt like part of our family (she will forever be part of my family now) When my baby's heart rate dropped and we faced some (what felt like to me) scary decisions it was Allison I looked to for reassurance. While 10-15 medical staff were asking rushed/urgent questions and waiting for answers I was able to find Allison's eyes and with a smile or head nod or pat of my hair know we made the right decision. Her existing relationship with the hospital staff was as added bonus! She was the glue that brought everyone (the hospital, her and my family support) together to feel like one team. During our post partum visits she provided the reassurance, encouragement and support my husband and I didn't know we needed. The photos and videos she took (with our permission of course!) during labor are treasured and I'm so thankful for those memories. If you're questioning hiring a doula I say do it! And if you're going to do it- get Allison. You will not regret it

I highly recommend Khatherine of Duyan Care! She was the first night doula we've ever worked with,…read moreand immediately put us at ease with her friendly, professional and knowledgeable demeanor. Khatherine took incredible care of our son for three weeks and also helped with breastfeeding tips as we'd been having a lot of trouble with our baby's latch; despite working with multiple lactation consultants, it wasn't until Khatherine observed and provided some helpful feedback that my latch drastically improved and pain subsided almost immediately. Khatherine was gentle and calm with our son, and treated our entire household with care and respect. She would wash our bottles, fold any laundry, leave our space tidy and provide in-depth notes on her night shift which provided invaluable information. It was evident she is passionate about her job and truly cares about the babies and families that she works with.

We cannot recommend Rita M. highly enough! She was our night nurse for first born and was with us…read moreon our very first night home from the hospital. As first time parents, we were learning as we went, but Rita immediately brought a sense of calm into our home. From night one, Rita was warm, attentive, and genuinely listened to every one of our needs and concerns. She quickly felt like a member of our family. She actually held our baby for the majority of the night, which, to us, was truly above and beyond. This allowed us to get much needed rest and gave us complete peace of mind, knowing he was in the best hands. Those first six weeks with Rita were invaluable. As a first time mom, I was truly able to rest because I completely trusted her. She was also incredibly knowledgeable and supportive with breastfeeding, pumping, and storing and freezing breast milk, answering all of my questions with patience and encouragement. What really set Rita apart was how much she cared beyond her basic responsibilities. Without us even asking, she took the time to read the instruction manuals for the bottles we were using and our baby carrier to make sure we were using everything correctly. As new parents, those extra "gut checks" gave us so much confidence and reassurance. Rita didn't just care for our baby, she cared for our entire family. She educated us, supported us, and helped us build confidence as new parents. Even now, we still keep in touch with Rita and send her updates on our little guy. We truly feel like we've made a lifelong friend. Rita M is compassionate, knowledgeable, dependable, and an absolute gift to any family lucky enough to work with her.